Haywood County approves budget to be sent to state
BROWNSVILLE, Tenn — The Haywood County Board of Commissioners finally approved a budget to send to the state.
It is already two months into the fiscal year and Wednesday the state sent down an ultimatum if they had not approved a balanced budget.
The 3 and a half hour meeting ended with the passage of a spending plan that includes a 9 cent property tax increase. Some residents were so angry they walked out.
The state gave them until a 11:59 p.m., Wednesday to pass a budget or the county would lose the legal authority to spend money, except on the school system, among other restrictions and a threat they could be legally removed from office.
The commissioners discussed two different budgets in often heated debates.
Strong language was exchanged between Mayor Franklin Smith and one commissioner. Another commissioner left the meeting before it was over.
Wednesday, commissioners also cut their salaries in half and cut $35,000 worth of funding to the Soil Conservation District.
The budget has been in discussion since May 9.
